Barron Hilton, younger brother of Paris Hilton, has been ordered to pay $4.9 million to a gas station attendant he allegedly struck while driving drunk. According to a July 15, 2011 report by TMZ, the recent ruling by the judge stems from a DUI accident in California that occurred back in 2008 when Hilton was 18 years old. The victim of the DUI crash alleged that he suffered a permanent disability and has undergone multiple surgeries since the accident. The authorities arrested Hilton after the accident for driving with a blood alcohol content of .14 percent.
The penalties associated with driving drunk in southern California can be serious. One possible consequence of driving drunk in addition to criminal charges is the possibility of civil litigation. Those who are injured in a DUI collision may decide to seek financial compensation for the damages he or she suffered. This is one of many reasons why it is so important for drivers charged with a DUI to immediately hire a skilled Los Angeles defense lawyer.
Possible civil litigation is just one possible consequence of being convicted of driving under the influence. Drunk drivers in California typically face time in county jail (not less than 96 hours), heavy fines (not less than $390) and a lengthy driver’s license suspension. The severity of the charges held against a person is often determined by the circumstances of the arrest and the driving history of the defendant. Ultimately, however, the outcome of a case depends on the quality of a person’s criminal defense representation.
The skilled Los Angeles DUI criminal defense attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan understand the importance of fighting DUI charges in California. We help protect the rights of our clients and we fight to have the charges reduced or thrown out. To begin building your defense, call our offices at 866-430-8383.